Coupons for Cigarettes: Acceptable or Unacceptable?

Upon visiting a gas station last week in Chinatown, I had quite the unsettling encounter.  A consumer ahead of me was interested in purchasing a packet of Marlboro Lights.  The cashier looked at her with intrigue, and asked whether or not she would like a coupon to purchase Camel cigarettes for the bargain price of $1.00.  With cigarette taxes escalating tobacco products to an average of $6.00, the consumer did not hesitate to accept the offer.  To her right, there was a Certified Field Agent for Camel Cigarettes.  He willfully took down some of her information, and presented her with the coupon.  Taking a keen interest in his job, I asked the Certified Field Agent about his work.  

It was with an enthusiastic smile, he reported that he serves as a promoter for the brand, often partnering with local gas stations to reach consumers.  He explained Camel began using coupons as several industries implemented them in the wake of the recession.  Proud to be serving the community with affordable cigarettes, he noted that the coupon used to give consumers a pack of Camels for free.  Of course, this measure did not last long, as free cigarettes from tobacco companies became illegal.  

As our conversation continued, I couldn't help but notice the success of his presence in the gas station.  While I was only there for ten minutes, three customers who intended to purchase another brand of cigarettes walked away with a pack of Camels using the coupon.  That being said, increased tax on cigarettes exist for the sole purpose to create a disincentive on purchasing cigarettes.  Understanding that significant gains have been made in reducing the prevalence of smoking for the general population in the United States, Camel’s response to tobacco control interventions is to offer a discounted product.  When I inquired as to his clientele, I noticed they were concentrated in poorer communities in Los Angeles, and consequently, catered to ethnic communities and immigrants.  Of course, they target specific communities as research suggests smoking rates remain high for some sub-populations.

There is something utterly wrong about this situation, and I can’t help but think we need to take action against it. What are your thoughts?  Do you think providing a coupon is fair given the state of our economy? Or, does it suggest a need for further government intervention?

Community Gardens and the LA Food System

What's happening to our food system to make communities of faith, neighborhoods and schools come together and rethink the way they interact with food? What are emerging community gardens really saying? This piece discusses how health, the environment, malnutrition and social justice influence Angelenos to question their local food system, and do something about it.

Over the last several months, I’ve attended various events that suggest Los Angelenos have lost trust in what they’re eating.  Last month, I visited Temple Isaiah in West Los Angeles to hear a panel titled, “Just Food: The 411 on Good Food Procurement” in an effort to better understand how the environment, food workers’ rights, consumers’ health and small farmers’ viability all relate to price and convenience.  Following this event, I participated in "Guerrilla Gardening: Changing the World through Food" at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills to discuss new ways to meet our challenge to feed the hungry. I watched “Fruit Hunters” starring Bill Pullman, and learned of a small community in the Hollywood Hills coming together and creating what is now the “Hollywood Orchards” – a “virtual orchard” that engages local residents to learn about sustainable agriculture and food preservation.  From a distance, I’ve seen the 24th Street Elementary School in South Los Angeles build a garden with over 50 fruit trees and vegetable beds created by children and managed by teachers.  This is only a snip-it of what I’ve heard, seen and encountered since January 2013.  Why the sudden changes?

The first point that came up consistently was, without knowing which farms the food is sourced from, how do we know as consumers whether or not they have been genetically modified, sprayed with pesticides, or preserved?  With the continued outbreaks of e. coli, salmonella and various strains of the flu, more and more residents are starting to be concerned about the safety of their food. How long will it be before we are immune to antibiotics?  What are the long-term effects of ingesting meats injected with growth hormones? Which community will sustain an outbreak next? These questions have started to rival apocalypse conspiracy theories, but unfortunately, they are a grim reality.

Coupled with health concerns, Californians have taken it upon themselves to be environmentally conscious.  Owning a hybrid vehicle and installing solar panels is no longer enough – we must be able to be self-sufficient.  With recent reports noting that Americans waste almost 40% of edible food, how do we treat this matter efficiently?  In my discussions with community garden volunteers, I’ve been told that it’s not just about growing fruits and vegetables – it’s about continuing the cycle of life.  Barbara Linder of Greystone Mansion Community Garden explained that planting seeds, harvesting food and eating food is not where it ends.  Rather, it’s about utilizing organic plant waste to begin the cycle over again.  Members of her local community garden dispose their waste into composting bins, and use the fortified soil to replant the seeds.  

Paradoxical to an overabundance of food, a million county residents struggle with hunger at some point in the year.  The hardest hit areas are those that are rampant with poverty – namely, South Los Angeles.  With rising health risks such as obesity and high blood pressure, residents of underserved communities are eager for access to healthy foods.  In an effort to combat these issues, grassroot organizations, such as the Garden School Foundation, have implemented “classroom gardens.”  The organization claims, as children learn about caring for food, plants, and the soil, classes demonstrate to youth that what they do matters—a lot—to the world around them and to their own lives.  In this case, it not just the food that is important - it is the lessons from the garden about empowerment and social justice that stimulates teachers and community members alike to keep community gardens alive.

While the concerns of our food systems grow, community gardens have started to pop up all over the city.  The idea is no longer hidden in one area – it has multiplied across neighborhoods including Westchester, Hawthorne and Inglewood.  We are welcoming people from all backgrounds to challenge our food system based on reasons of injustice, hunger and responsibility.  That being said, I’ve only briefly touched on some of the reasons why communities are rethinking their food system.  Now the question is, who will rebel next?

Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe

With the waves of Vietnamese immigrants coming to California's shores, its no surprise that pho has become a local favorite.  Rather than venture to your neighborhood deli or downtown diner for chicken noodle soup, these mom and pop shops have the perfect cure for your craving!

Since I don't venture to East Los Angeles much, my favorite Vietnamese restaurant probably doesn't meet the expectations of avid pho goers.  I can say with complete confidence that this restaurant is as delicious - but I would hate to get into a Fast & Furious battle with those who disagree. And I mean that in a funny non-stereotypical way since there is very little parking.

Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe is oddly located in the Little Osaka district of West Los Angeles. Next to the ever popular Tsujita LA ramen sensation, this Vietnamese gem is the perfect alternative to avoid Tsujita's ever growing lines.  Since I eat pork once in a long while, I actually prefer going to Nong Lá to get my noodle soup fix. It is a delicate balance between light yet savory chicken broth, with dense yet not overly filling noodles.  Top that with shredded chicken and onions, and you've got a Hanoi party in your mouth.

Pho Ga ($7.95)

chicken broth with fresh rice noodles topped with white onions, green onions, cilantro 

If you're not in the mood for a hot soup on a hot day, I recommend opting for the second most famous Vietnamese dish, the Bhan-mi sandwiches.   You can never go wrong with grilled meat, french bread and Vietnamese spices.

Bun Steak & Eggroll ($8.50)

grilled kemongrass and sesame steak with eggrolls served on a bed of cold vermicelli noodles with lettuce, fresh herbs, cucumbers, bean sprouts, carrots and fish sauce

So, get on your tuk tuk, motorcycle, minivan or feet and head to Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe ASAP!!! 

Simpang Asia

For those of us who can't afford to go to Indonesia this summer, let me point your attention to Simpang Asia.  Sitting on the corner of National and Motor, this Culver City delight is no stranger to locals.  Sharing a space with its Indonesian market, Simpang Asia serves up native dishes to American foreigners.  

Influenced by Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and European traders, Indonesia's food is representative of its diverse cultural identity. Although the dishes are small enough to be eaten alone, the best way to enjoy this Southeast Asian treasure is to order several dishes and share among friends. Rather than explain these ancestral dishes that culminate from hundreds of years of history, I will let the pictures and description do the talking.

Chicken Satay ($6.50)

marinated chicken skewers 

Veggie Stir-Fry ($6.50)

Nasi Goreng Jawa ($6.95)

spicy fried rice and noodles

Rendang ($6.50)

dried beef curry

Ikan Goreng ($6.50)

fried whole tilapia

Had author Elizabeth Gilbert come to Simpang Asia before writing "Eat. Pray. Love", the book probably would have been renamed to "Eat. Pray. Eat." The dishes are extremely affordable given the quality of the food - substituting as a more viable option than Rock Sugar in Century City. Embrace a trip to the Indonesian archipelago by visiting Simpang Asia today!

El Torito Grill

Dine LA - Dinner ($25)

One of the problems about getting to blog posts so late, is often, the dishes no longer exist, or even worse, the restaurant has closed.  Despite my unlucky streak, I must take a moment to pay homage to this Southwestern delight.

El Torito Grill of Beverly Hills was the upscale version of the classic restaurant chain, El Torito.  Taking a fancy spin on traditional Tex Mex dishes, El Torito Grill became one of my favorite spots.  My last ride over there was during DineLA restaurant week.  Below are some of the dishes me and my cowboys ate.

Tacquitos de Tinga Poblano

carnitas, chicken chorizo, red onions, chipotle chile, blue corn tortillas, cilantro 

crema fresca, avocado sauce, cojita cheese, arugula, habanero-lime dressing

Mesquite Grilled Chicken Fajitas

chicken breast, onions, pasilla chiles, red bell peppers, beans, 

avocado relish, pico de gallo, handmade tortillas

Mexican Flan

I should mention the, Fire Roasted Tomato Soup [not pictured here] with grilled tomatos, chicken chorizo, pasilla chiles, roasted corn, garlic and spices, was the best tomato soup I ever got my hands on.  Its a real shame that I can't round up some more of this amazing dish!

I'm sad to see El Torito Grill of Beverly Hills close its doors, because it truly was a great feast for the senses.  They put up a good fight until the end!  Visit their other locations in the Southern California area for a great Tex Mex experience.

Tavern

Tavern is yet another enchanted creation of Chef Suzanne Goin: the superstar chef behind The A.O.C., Lucques, and The Hungry Cat. Every time I reminisce about my out-of-this-world experiences at one of her restaurants, I  start to crave one of the delicious morsels I have had the pleasure of eating.  Its hard to describe her cooking style, as each restaurant has its only personality and specialty dishes.  Today, I'm here to rave about her Brentwood Neighborhood favorite, Tavern.

Traditionally, taverns are known as havens for drunkards and heathens alike to drink, be merry and eat.  As it is uncommon in the United States to come across taverns, I can only imagine that they are as magical as they are portrayed in films such as The Lord of the Rings - filled with unlikely characters and good food.  Tavern is just like that.

Rather than expect giants and dwarfs among the crowd, you can expect A-List celebrities to be crawling the restaurant.  I had the pleasure of gawking at Nick Lachey and wife Vanessa Minnillo - however, they proved to be quite normal creatures.

For our first dish, my partner and I had a rendition of the Caesar salad.  Unfortunately, it is no longer on the menu - but I can still remember the decadence of the Pt. Reyes blue cheese complimented with the roasted pecans.  Each savory bite had a hint of acidic dressing to cut through the cheese, and was worth all $15.00.

Also no longer available on their seasonal menu was a braised short rib paired with mashed potatoes and au jus sauce.  My mouth waters thinking about how the meat pulled apart with ease, and bursted with flavor in my mouth.  Yum.

As for myself, I had the crispy duck confit with black rice, swiss chard and spiced rhubarb.  It is one of the restaurants signature dishes, which is very unlikely to be found elsewhere.  I swear, this dish is so good, it is borderline witchery!

This blog entry does not do Suzanne Goin proper justice, but I can assure you, each dish was exquisite.  Tavern is on the pricey side, with main dishes averaging $30.  The best way to imagine the food at this restaurant is to remember the love Gollum had for his ring...MY PRECIOUS!!!

Michael's Restaurant

As a native Angeleno, Michael's offers the best cuisine there is: Californian.  Using fresh and seasonal ingredients straight from the Santa Monica farmer's market, you could not ask for a better source for lunch.  That being said, Michael's tends is by no means a cheap eat given the quality of their food.  Luckily for me, I got this trio of dishes for $25 during DineLA restaurant week.  

"Chicken and Waffle Wings"

Half-Dozen, Chili Salt, Maple Syrup

When I say I know fried chicken, I mean it.  I could eat fried chicken everyday if it wasn't for such a thing called cholesterol.  I know that Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles have become an LA landmark, but for those of you have been there, its actually not the best fried chicken in town.  This is definitely the best modern interpretation of chicken and waffles around.  There, I said it. #juicy #crispy #sweetnspicy

Michael's Cobb Salad

Blue Cheese, Chicken Breast, Bacon, Tomatoes, Egg, Mustard Vinaigrette

To step away from carbohydrates for a moment, I dived into a cobb salad packed with farm fresh vegetables and meat.  It was one of the better cobb salads I have eaten, but does not beat out Clementine's in Century City. #farmfresh #healthy #delicious

Chocolate Espresso Tart

Creme Fraiche, Coffee Ice Cream

The course to wrap it all up was a sugary delight of chocolate espresso realness (I stole that word from #RuPaul).  It was really effing good apart from the creme fraiche bit.  #yum

Avoid the crowds and the sky high prices by dining at Michael's for lunch rather than dinner.  It's a short walk away from 3rd Street Promenade, which makes for the perfect meeting spot for a group of friends.